Page 22 of Into the Starlight (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bang! The sound of the front door crashing against the wall interrupted the dinner conversation that, for once, wasn’t dominated by Noah’s stories of his adventures. To Burke’s amazement, the boy apparently enjoyed eating fried chicken with his fingers so much that he felt no need to talk, but now the pleasant adult conversation had come to an abrupt end.

Before Emily or Craig could rise to greet whoever had entered the house, Gertrude burst into the dining room, her face contorted with distress.

“Help! Burke, you’ve got to help him!”

“Lady sad.” Like the adults’ discussion, Noah’s silence had ended, leaving him looking confused.

While Emily attempted to reassure her son, Burke rose and strode to the distraught woman’s side. Keeping his voice low and calm, he asked, “What happened and to whom?”

“It’s Thomas. I never saw him in so much pain.” Gertrude clutched Burke’s arm and stared at him, tears streaming down her face. “You’ve got to help.”

“Is he at your parents’ house?” That was the most likely explanation for Gertrude’s coming without a cloak or gloves, but he needed to be certain.

“We were having dinner with them like we do most Saturdays. I don’t know what’s wrong, but it’s serious.”

Removing her hand from his arm, Burke gave Gertrude a reassuring nod. “I’ll be with him in a few minutes, once I collect my bag.” He turned to Joanna, knowing he could depend on her to help calm her former teacher. Even without music, Joanna was a soothing person. “Would you accompany Gertrude back to her parents’ house?” The woman’s wailing was upsetting Noah unnecessarily.

When the two women had left with Joanna’s arm wrapped around Gertrude’s waist to steady her, Burke looked at Louisa. “I hope you’ll assist me.”

The expression in her blue eyes was dubious. “Gertrude didn’t ask for me.”

“But I did.” Not only would Burke benefit from having an assistant, but the ailment might be one Louisa hadn’t encountered previously. They’d both benefit.

When they’d gathered their medical bags, Burke and Louisa hurried across the street and entered the Albright house without knocking. It took only seconds to see that everyone was gathered in the dining room. Gertrude and her parents stood staring at Thomas, who lay on the floor, writhing in pain. Only Joanna seemed to grasp what a patient needed, for she knelt next to him, held his hand, and murmured soothing words.

That was Joanna—kind and caring, knowing instinctively what should be done. Perhaps it was because she’d been a patient so recently, but Burke suspected what he was seeing was an intrinsic part of her.

He crouched next to his patient, trying to determine the cause of his pain. From the way Thomas was moving, Burke believed it was below his waist but not related to his hips or legs. Keeping his face from betraying his concern over the difficulty of treating internal ailments, he asked, “Where does it hurt?”

Thomas continued to moan as he used his free hand to point to his lower right abdomen. This was what Burke had feared. Unbuttoning the man’s coat, he noted that the area was bloated.

“Did the pain start there?” This time Thomas shook his head and pointed to his navel, increasing the likelihood that Burke’s initial diagnosis was correct.

“Is he going to be all right?” Gertrude demanded. Her tears had stopped, perhaps because her mother had wrapped one arm around Gertrude’s waist and was stroking her hair with the other.

“We’ll do the best we can.” The plural pronoun was deliberate. Though no one had commented on Louisa’s presence, Burke wanted it clear that she would assist him. “Thomas, we need to get you to our office to treat you.” He looked up at Mr. Albright. “How quickly can you get your buggy ready?”

The man appeared dazed and shook his head as if he were confused.

“I’ll get mine.” Joanna sprang to her feet and started for the door. “It’ll be faster.”

With Joanna in the driver’s seat, Burke and Louisa managed to lift Thomas into the buggy. She drove quickly but carefully, doing her best to keep from jolting the patient, then helped Burke and Louisa transfer Thomas onto the examining table in the office, leaving Gertrude and her parents to follow on foot. To Burke’s relief, his patient seemed calmer once he left the Albright house, and the examination proceeded smoothly. But when Gertrude and her parents arrived, Thomas’s pulse accelerated.

“Wife worries too much,” he muttered.

That was all Joanna needed to hear. She’d been standing near the door, waiting to see whether Burke needed any more help. Without consulting him, she walked into the hallway and urged Gertrude and her parents to take seats. “No one’s allowed in the treatment room,” she said firmly as she closed the door to keep them from peering inside.

Burke and Louisa exchanged grateful looks. “Your sister’s amazing,” he said when he was certain he would not be overheard. Not only had Joanna been the one who’d attempted to comfort their patient, but she’d understood what he and Louisa needed.

“What’s wrong with me?” Thomas asked when Burke concluded his examination.

“It’s what I thought based on the location of your pain.” The examination had confirmed his initial diagnosis. While some physicians might disagree, Burke believed patients needed to understand the situation and refused to minimize the dangers.

“You have acute appendicitis. That means there’s an inflammation of a small part of your body called the appendix. It’s a small organ, but it can cause big problems. Appendicitis is a very serious condition and can lead to death, but I believe you’ll make a full recovery if you allow me to remove your appendix.”

Thomas’s eyes widened with fear. “You’re going to cut me open?”

“If you agree.” Burke would not perform surgery on a sentient person without his permission. “It’s the only way to save your life.”

Thomas groaned as another wave of pain washed over him. “Do it. Do it quick.”

Burke looked at Louisa. “Will you get the chloroform ready while I tell the patient’s family what’s going to happen?” When she nodded, he went into the hallway. “Thomas has appendicitis and needs surgery,” he told the quartet. “Louisa and I will do everything we can to save him.” When Gertrude started to protest being left in the hallway, Burke gave her a stern look, then turned to Joanna. “If ever there was a time when my patient and I needed you to play, it’s now.”

For the next hour, the only sounds were Burke’s orders to Louisa, their patient’s even breathing once the chloroform took effect, and Joanna’s playing. Instead of the slow, soothing music Burke had expected, she’d chosen pieces with fast tempos, almost as if she were urging Burke and Louisa to hurry, as if she sensed the urgency even more than they did. If that was her intention, she succeeded, for they worked quickly but efficiently, their movements seeming to keep pace with Joanna’s music.

“That’s it,” Burke said as Louisa tied off the last suture. “I couldn’t have done it better.”

Though the strain of the past hour was visible in her furrowed brow, Louisa smiled. “Thank you for letting me assist. It’s the first time I’ve been involved in a surgery like this.”

“It’s the first time I’ve performed it.” Burke hadn’t wanted to admit that until they’d completed the procedure. “Physicians used to drain appendixes, but the results weren’t always positive. Just a few years ago when Robert Tait advocated removing the appendix, it was considered a revolutionary approach, but it’s since been proven to be safe if performed properly.”

Though Burke felt as if he were delivering a lecture, Louisa’s expression said she was fascinated by the procedure’s history.

“I’m thankful I read Tait’s paper this summer. Otherwise, Gertrude might be a widow.”

The music continued, but the tempo had slowed. Burke wondered whether that was because Joanna was tired or because she’d somehow sensed that the surgery was complete and that what was needed now was to relax and recuperate.

“Do you believe Thomas will make a full recovery?”

“That’s up to God. You and I have done everything we can. The pain will be severe for a few days, but morphine will help.” Burke would give Thomas the smallest dose possible to relieve his pain and would monitor him carefully. There would be no mistakes this time.

He continued his explanation to Louisa. “As long as the incision is kept clean and dry, Thomas should recover. We’ll keep him in the infirmary for a week to be certain healing is proceeding as it should.” And to wean him off morphine as quickly as Burke could.

Louisa studied their patient. “He looks better already. There’s more color in his face.”

If he hadn’t known otherwise, Burke would have said Thomas was enjoying a normal night’s sleep. Lines of pain no longer etched his forehead, and his breathing was steady.

“We can let the family see him now.” When Burke opened the door and stepped into the hallway, three anxious people rose from the bench.

“How is he?” Gertrude’s face was tear-stained, but her voice was strong, reminding Burke that she’d once ruled over a schoolroom.

“Much better than he was two hours ago. He’ll be asleep for a few hours until the chloroform wears off, and he’ll have to stay here for a week, but I believe Thomas will be fine once the incision heals. Your husband is a strong man.”

“I don’t know how to thank you.” The tears that filled Gertrude’s eyes appeared to be tears of relief and gratitude.

Her father shook his head. “I do. Whatever your normal fee is, double it and we’ll pay it.”

“That’s not necessary.” Though the Albrights could afford a hefty bill, Burke would not charge them more than the fees he and Louisa had established.

“It is necessary,” Mr. Albright insisted. “You’ve kept my daughter from being a young widow. That’s priceless.”

His wife clasped his hand and nodded. “My husband is right. There’s no way we can ever repay you for what you’ve given us.”

Blinking to keep her tears from falling, Gertrude attempted a smile. “Clive, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Sweetwater Crossing. Say you won’t leave us.”

Though Louisa blinked in surprise and Mrs. Albright murmured “Burke” to her daughter, Burke chose to ignore Gertrude’s use of his uncle’s name, although her repeated mistakes had begun to annoy him. “I won’t leave until your husband has healed.” That was all he could promise.

Once Gertrude and her parents had returned to the Albrights’ home where Gertrude intended to spend the night and Burke and Louisa had gotten Thomas settled in the infirmary, Burke made his way to the storage room that housed the piano. Since Joanna was so intent on the song she was playing that she did not hear his approach, he waited until she paused before he spoke.

“Thank you, Joanna. They’ve gone home, so you can stop playing now. You must be exhausted.” She’d played nonstop for well over an hour. Had this been a concert, there would have been a break.

“My hands are a bit tired,” she admitted, “but I didn’t want to stop until I was sure you didn’t need me.” Joanna extended her hands and began to flex each of the fingers. “I’m so glad that the surgery went well. Once again, you’ve accomplished your mother’s definition for success. You’ve made a positive difference in more than one life. You saved Thomas and kept Gertrude from widowhood.”

Mr. Albright had said the same thing, but while Burke had dismissed his praise, Joanna’s filled his heart with joy.

“I didn’t do it alone,” he told her. “You and Louisa both assisted me. I don’t know what you were playing, but it was so cheerful that it kept me encouraged.” Burke paused as Joanna rose from the piano stool to stand next to him, her expression betraying her doubt. “It’s true. I won’t tell Gertrude or the Albrights, but the surgery was a difficult one. There were times when I was afraid I would fail, and then I’d listen for a second and know that everything would turn out well.”

Burke was still in awe of how powerful her music had been. “Thank you, Joanna. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”

He was still thinking about her and the effect she and her music had on him when Louisa opened the office Monday morning. Burke had remained there since Thomas’s surgery, not wanting to leave his patient unattended, but now that the pain had subsided enough that Burke could eliminate the morphine, Thomas no longer needed constant care. Burke was even considering moving him to the Albrights’ house for the rest of the week.

“I would have been here sooner,” Louisa said as she entered the office and laid her medical bag on the back counter, “but everyone I met wanted to talk about you. It seems Gertrude and the Albrights made certain everyone who was in church yesterday heard that you saved Thomas from certain death.”

It wasn’t the first time a grateful family had touted Burke’s efforts, and he hoped it would not be the last. Saving lives was the reason he’d become a physician.

“I hope you told them that you assisted and that Joanna’s music was as effective as the strongest medicine.”

Louisa chuckled as she removed her hat. “No one wanted to hear that. They were all too busy trying to think of ways to persuade you to stay here permanently. I didn’t have the heart to tell them you never planned to make Sweetwater Crossing your home. They wouldn’t want to hear that when you’ve become the town’s hero.”

“I’m no hero.” He was simply a man who’d done his job. “What I am is tired. These infirmary beds are almost as bad as sleeping on the floor. I should have listened to you and slept upstairs, but I didn’t want to be that far from Thomas.”

Though Thomas had come through the surgery successfully, there was always the possibility of infection. Fortunately, his recovery had reached the point where Burke could dismiss that worry.

“You should have let me spell you, but you’re even more stubborn than my sisters, insisting on doing everything yourself.” Louisa flashed a mocking smile. “It’s time for me to assert my authority as the owner of this office and send you home. And as your reward for doing that, here’s some mail.”

She handed him two envelopes. A quick look told Burke that one was from Felix. The one that made his heart race was postmarked San Francisco. At last! Fielding had finally responded. Tamping back his eagerness, Burke nodded. “You’re right. I’ll go back to Finley House for a few hours. Maybe take a nap.” But first he’d read the letter that might hold the key to his future.

Burke hurried home as quickly as he could without breaking into an actual run, somehow managing to control his curiosity until he’d passed the mansion’s pillars. Then he ripped the envelope and withdrew the single sheet of paper, reading it twice before he sprinted up the steps and through the front door. If it hadn’t been for the one stipulation, he would have called Fielding’s response an answer to all his prayers.

“Joanna!”

Joanna closed the fallboard, straightened the sheet music, and rose. Now that she’d finished her morning practice session, it was time to go to Miss Heppel’s house and begin sorting through her clothes. Later she planned to stop by the doctor’s office to see how Burke—and Thomas, of course—were doing. It had been less than two days, but she’d missed Burke more than she had expected. Even though she understood why he’d stayed in the infirmary to watch over Thomas, the empty seat at meals served as a reminder that Burke would soon be leaving permanently. While she couldn’t change that, she didn’t want another day to pass without seeing him, even if it was only briefly.

“Joanna!”

As if she’d conjured him, Burke’s voice echoed through the hallway. It was a single word, but she heard the excitement in it and knew there could only be one cause.

She hurried to greet him, smiling when she saw the huge grin on his face.

“It came,” he said, holding out a letter.

“Your smile tells me it’s good news. Come into the parlor and tell me all about it.”

When they were seated in the wingback chairs facing each other, Burke began. “Dr. Fielding said he hadn’t considered having an assistant, but my letter convinced him he needed one. He claims he’s looking forward to working with me.”

“Of course he is.” Though she hated the idea that Burke would move so far away, Joanna was happy that his dream was becoming reality. Her dreams had changed, with some dying while others took their place. Perhaps that was what had happened to Burke. Research wasn’t his first dream, but it was what he wanted now, and thanks to a man he’d yet to meet, it would come true.

“He wants me to start in January.”

“That’s wonderful news.” For both of them. Burke would have what he wanted, and Joanna would have another two months before she had to bid him farewell. “I’m so happy for you.”

As Burke’s expression sobered, Joanna wondered what else the letter contained. “You look as if there might be a problem.”

Burke shrugged. “I don’t think so, but Dr. Fielding is a cautious man. He warned me that the work wouldn’t be easy and that we might never accomplish what we set out to do. He said he wanted me to be certain that I’m prepared for disappointment, claiming that was inevitable, and said that I needed to consider the bad along with the good. That’s why he doesn’t want me to give him my answer until December.”

That was probably good advice for most people, but Burke was different. “He doesn’t realize that the thought of temporary failure won’t discourage you. It would only make you more determined to help him succeed.”

“You’re right. I am determined.” Burke’s expression lightened. “But his point is a valid one. I’m used to seeing results immediately, or almost immediately. I knew within several hours that Thomas would live. Research is different.”

“But when it succeeds, you’ll be able to help many thousands of people.”

“Exactly. That’s what’s so exciting about it—the possibilities.”

If she hadn’t been watching him so carefully, Joanna would have missed the momentary dimming of Burke’s enthusiasm. “This sounds like everything you’d hoped for, but you look as if something about the letter bothers you.”

Burke shook his head. “It’s nothing that can’t be resolved.”

Joanna hoped that was true. Even though her heart ached at the thought of his leaving Sweetwater Crossing, she was genuinely happy for Burke.

“This is wonderful news.” She infused her voice with enthusiasm. “We should celebrate.”

“That’s what I thought. I know what we should do.” His grin was almost mischievous, making Joanna wonder what he had in mind.

“Have dinner at Ma’s?”

“No.” Burke elongated the pause, as if trying to build suspense. When he finally spoke, his answer surprised her. “I think we should remove the wainscoting and crown molding from your house.”

It wasn’t what anyone else would have considered a celebration, but Joanna and Burke spent the afternoon working on Miss Heppel’s former bedroom. Burke pried molding and wainscoting off the wall while Joanna packed Miss Heppel’s clothes, intending to offer them to Beulah’s mother. The styles were too mature for Beulah, but Beulah’s grandmother was skilled with a needle and would be able to remake the garments into ones suitable for a young girl.

As they worked, Joanna and Burke spoke of ordinary things—Thomas’s recovery, Beulah’s future pleasure in new clothes, what Emily might be serving for supper. There was nothing extraordinary about their conversation, and yet Joanna savored it for precisely that reason. Being with Burke made tasks that others might call boring enjoyable, leaving her with the conviction that this was an afternoon she’d cherish for many years.

The following days were filled with a thorough cleaning of the house and painting of the bedroom. The only room Joanna hadn’t touched was the smaller bedchamber, the one she planned to use as a nursery. The bed linens there would need to be laundered, and once she found the key, she would open and empty the trunk. Other than that, the house was ready for her.

She’d decided that she wouldn’t move until January, in part because Emily wanted one final Christmas with all three sisters living at Finley House. “The new year will bring many changes,” she told Joanna and Louisa. “Let’s not rush into them.”

It had been easy for Joanna to agree, because staying at Finley House meant she had more time with Burke. Oh, how she’d miss him when he left!

The weeks had passed more quickly than she’d expected, and now it was the final day of November, and Joanna was feeling restless. Since Louisa and Burke were visiting patients, she had no reason to go to the doctor’s office. Perhaps a walk would help. And perhaps today would be the day she received a letter from Marta. With each day that passed, Joanna’s concerns increased.

Mr. Winslow grinned when Joanna entered the post office. “I’m glad you came in today. You’ve got another of them letters from Europe.”

Finally! “Thank you, Mr. Winslow.” Though he appeared eager for a lengthy conversation, she added, “You’ll excuse me if I rush away, but I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

The house was empty when she returned. Emily had gone to the dressmaker with Della to help choose her wedding gown, and Mrs. Carmichael and Noah were playing in the backyard. Still, Joanna was taking no chances on being interrupted. She climbed the stairs to her room, fingering the thick envelope, trying to imagine what Marta had written.

Being careful not to rip it, she slit the envelope and withdrew the closely written sheets, her eyes scanning the first.

No! She closed her eyes, not wanting to believe what she’d read. It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be true. But it was.